Shiva devotees had fun and frolic too watching dancing girls

The Hindu devotees, who gathered at the religious fair organised at Uttar Pradeshs Ithia Temple, had an opportunity to witness half-clad girls dancing and watch movies during the month-long fair held here on the occasion of Shravan.

By Vipul GoelMaharajganj (Uttar Pradesh), Aug.17 : The Hindu devotees, who gathered at the religious fair organised at Uttar Pradesh's Ithia Temple, had an opportunity to witness half-clad girls dancing and watch movies during the month-long fair held here on the occasion of Shravan.

Thousands of "Kanwarias" camp at the Ithia Shiv Temple and offer "Ganga Jal" (the holy water of River Ganges) to the Shivaling (the symbol of Lord Shiva).

Besides performing the ritual, they also have an opportunity to watch the local nautch girls performing hot numbers and watch films.

Though prohibited by custom to watch the dances or films, only a few "Kanwarias" (who carry "Kanwars" or water pots balanced on a bamboo pole) can resist watching gyrating nautch girls and hot movies.

The fair has been an annual feature at this temple.

"Nautanki" (folk theatre) has now become an integral part of the fair. Cat calls and whistles greet the teenage boys and semi-clad girls hip hop in literally see-through attires. esides, there is screening of adult films which attract full houses.

Prem Kumar, a shopkeeper at Ithia Shiv Mela, said: "Lewd songs are played in full volume but police do not prevent it. They are mute spectators and some even participate. What can we do?"

According to the temple priest, until a few years ago, the Ithia Shravan fair was usually held under the aegis of local Mela Samiti (committee) and observed ethical norms.

Baijnath Tiwari, priest of Ithia temple, said: "Only the administration can check the vulgarity happening here as controlling the fair lies within the powers of area's District Magistrate.

He recalled that earlier local Mela Samiti (fair committee) used to organise the fete. At that time dramas used to be staged but nowadays obscene dances are performed. He added: "Only administration can stop all these."

The local authorities appear to have turned a blind eye to the whole affair.

They recommend that after watching the fun, they could have a dip in the temple tank!

ANI